| 1907-08.[14] | Gallons. | Price per Gallon. | Value. |
|---|---|---|---|
| October, | 2,639 | $1.25 | $3,298.75 |
| November, | 4,160 | 1.00 | 4,160.00 |
| December, | 5,430 | 1.00 | 5,430.00 |
| January, | 5,910 | 1.50 | 8,865.00 |
| February | 960 | 2.00 | 1,920.00 |
| March, | 1,146 | 2.50 | 2,865.00 |
| Total, | 20,245 | $1.31 | $26,538.75 |
Shipments were made by express to New York and Boston, the charges to New York being 95 cents, to Boston 55 cents per keg. The greater part was shipped to New York market. The scallops were shipped mostly in 7-gallon kegs, which cost 33 cents apiece. About 30 New York and 20 Boston firms receive shipments from the Nantucket scallopers.
Two kinds of scallops, the large "channel" and the small or "eel grass," are obtained. The small scallops are more numerous than the large, but are naturally less desirable.
Capital invested.
| Value of power boats, | $4,000 |
| Value of sail boats, | 9,250 |
| Value of dories, | 500 |
| Value of gear, | 700 |
| Total, | $14,450 |
Of late years the scallopers have taken an interest in protecting the scallop. Many scallopers when fishing in shallow water "cull out" the small "seed" scallops, and, instead of returning them to the shallow water, transplant them to the deep water of the channel, where they are not only protected in case of severe winter, but produce a larger scallop the following year. This is the only attempt at protecting the scallop ever made in Massachusetts, and shows how important the industry is to the town.
For the two seasons previous to 1907-08 every scalloper was required to have a license. In 1905-06 the price was 50 cents, while the following year, 1906-07, 190 licenses, costing $1 each, were taken out. No licenses were required in 1907-08. Special by-laws, either limiting the catch or enforcing a close season to meet the demands of the fishery, are made by the town each year.
Scallops have been always plentiful, but fifty-five years ago they were not caught, as they were considered poisonous. The present industry started in 1883, and since that time, in spite of its ups and downs, it has remained a constant source of revenue to the island. Notwithstanding a scarcity of scallops, the high prices of 1905-06 enabled the fishermen to have a fairly successful season. Both the 1906-07 and the 1907-08 seasons have been very prosperous, as scallops have been plentiful.
New Bedford.
The scallop industry at New Bedford has been in existence since about 1870, and has furnished a livelihood for an average of 15 men ever since. Of late years the industry has shown a marked decline.